Sterling struck three times in 11 minutes after Sergio Aguero had earlier netted twice to cancel out Ruslan Malinovskyi’s penalty opener at the Etihad Stadium.

The result took City five points clear at the top of Group C and within touching distance of the last 16 with three games still to play.

There were downsides for City with Phil Foden sent off and Rodri injured, but Sterling’s scintillating display, which included providing the assist for Aguero’s first and winning the penalty for his second, stole the headlines.

City boss Guardiola said: “All the credit is for him. He’s a guy whose physicality is incredible. He is so strong.

“A day after a game, he could play another. His regeneration is incredible and he can play both sides. He is an extraordinary player.”